Muhammad Ali
This lens is about Muhammad Ali, his career, his achievements and about why I think he is "The Greatest"
Introduction to Muhammad Ali
A True World champion
Ali's fights were held all over the globe
Ali fought his fights all over the world. He fought in America, Canada, The Bahamas, Puerto Rico, England, Ireland, Germany Switzerland, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, The Phillipines, and had the greatest night of his Professional career in Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo).
To think that Ali went around the world "strutting his stuff" really makes me admire the man, especially when you consider that many of today's champions refuse to fight outside of their own country (or even city!) for fear of giving an advantage to their opponent.
Ali was a fighter, but also a showman, and he brought his show to people all over the world.
The Ali Shuffle
Part of the great man's repetoire
The Ali shuffle was a fancy piece of footwork the Ali used in his fights. Some would say it was a piece of showmanship and it's hard to argue otherwise, however, Ali would say it was a tool that could be used for defensive or offensive purposes. I've picked this clip wher Ali employs the shuffle while fighting Cleveland Williams
Muhammad Ali Timeline
Muhammad Ali (Cassius Clay) vs Sonny Liston I
Ali fights his scariest opponent
Their 1st fight was held February 25, 1964, in Miami Beach, Florida, where Clay was based at the time (his trainer, Angelo Dundee, had a gym nearby). The fight began with Clay showing good movement, using fast and effective jabs and quick flurries of combinations, making it difficult for Liston to score with his slower, heavier punches. In the 3rd round, Clay opened up his attack and hit Liston with several combinations that caused a bruise under Liston's right eye and a cut under his left. During the 4th round, Clay coasted, keeping his distance. However, when he returned to his corner, he started complaining that there was something burning in his eyes and that he couldn't see.
It has been theorized that a substance used to stop Liston's cuts from bleeding may have inadvertently caused the irritation, but this has never been confirmed. Angelo Dundee rinsed Clay's eyes with a sponge and pushed him off his stool to begin the fifth round, telling him to stay away from Liston.
Clay survived the 5th round and by the 6th had resumed control of the fight. During the 6th, Clay landed several effective combinations, seemingly at will. On his stool following the sixth round, Liston told his cornermen that he couldn't continue, complaining of a shoulder injury. He failed to answer the bell for the 7th round and Clay was declared the winner by technical knockout. Sensing that he had made history, Clay sprang to the center of the ring, did a victory jig and then quickly ran to the ropes to remind sportswriters that he had told them so, since many of them had written that Clay had no chance of beating the once-feared Sonny Liston. In a scene that has been broadcast countless times over the ensuing four decades, Clay yelled "I'm the greatest" and "I shook up the world!"
Click here to see the full article.
Facing Ali : 15 Fighters / 15 Stories
Facing Ali: 15 Fighters/15 Stories is a great way of seeing Ali's mark on the world through the eyes of the boxers who fought Ali all over the Globe.
Facing Ali: 15 Fighters / 15 Stories
Click on the image to order your copy today!
Amazon Price: $10.17 (as of 12/26/2009) 
Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston I
Clay (Ali's) first step towards greatness.
Ali vs Liston II
The "Phantom" punch
Because of the unexpected ending of the 1st bout, Boxing authorities ordered a 2nd bout, this time with Muhammad Ali as the defending world champion and Liston as challenger. The bout was scheduled for November, 1964, but Ali needed emergency surgery for a hernia. The fight was postponed until the following May and rescheduled for a site in Boston, Massachusetts. However, since the promoters did not have a license in Massachusetts, the fight eventually was held in a small auditorium in Lewiston, Maine, the state's 2nd largest city, on May 25, 1965. As a result of the remote location (140 miles north of Boston), only 2,434 fans were present, setting an all-time record for the lowest attendance in a world championship fight.
This proved to be one of the most controversial fights in history. Midway through the 1st round, Liston fell to the canvas, in what many have argued was not a legitimate knockdown. Referee Jersey Joe Walcott, a former world heavyweight champion himself, seemed confused after he sent Ali to a neutral corner and the champion refused, instead standing over his fallen opponent and yelling at him to get up, then posing over him with his fists in the air celebrating the knockdown. Walcott took 20 seconds to figure out what to do, and by then Liston had gotten up and resumed Boxing. Nat Fleischer, publisher of Ring Magazine, finally told Walcott that Liston had spent more than the requisite 10 seconds on the canvas, and Walcott stopped the fight - awarding Ali a first-round knockout.
The blow that ended the match became known as "the phantom punch" since most people at ringside did not see it.
Click here to see the full article.
Muhammad Ali vs Sonny Liston II
The "Phantom" Punch
Ali's most contraversial fight. Was it an "Anchor" punch or a "Phantom" punch?
Muhammad Ali vs. Sonny Liston II
The "anchor" punch
This was the most controversial fight of Ali's career. Ali hit Liston with an Anchor punch (some referred to it as a "phantom" punch). In this clip the great man explains what happened during the fight.
Muhammad Ali vs Floyd Patterson I
Muhammad Ali faces his most skillful opponent
Floyd Patterson was the first man to reclaim the World Heavyweight Boxing title. He was trained by Cus D'amato who went on to train Mike Tyson (the two fighters have very similar styles).
Critics claim that Ali "tortured" Patterson for failing to acknowledge his Muslim name.
I didn't carry him one bit. He took my best punches and didn't fall. If I knock him out fast, you'd say it was fixed. If I knock him out slow, I'm a brute. I'm wrong if I do. I'm wrong if I don't.
Muhammad Ali (New York Times, 24 November 1965)
Critics claim that Ali "tortured" Patterson for failing to acknowledge his Muslim name.
I didn't carry him one bit. He took my best punches and didn't fall. If I knock him out fast, you'd say it was fixed. If I knock him out slow, I'm a brute. I'm wrong if I do. I'm wrong if I don't.
Muhammad Ali (New York Times, 24 November 1965)
Muhammad Ali vs Floyd Patterson II
I personally didn't like the doctor stopping the fight. I thought I was holding my own until the eye closed. I know Cassius didn't carry me this time.... But anytime I'm defeated, I'm ashamed.
Floyd Patterson, (Baltimore Sun, 21 September 1972).
Because of his age, I thought Patterson would be finished after two rounds. But he was in superb condition. If I'd listened to the press, he would have given me a worse lickin' in the first five rounds. I didn't knock him out or TKO him. I just closed his eye.
Muhammad Ali (Baltimore Sun 21 September 1972).
Floyd Patterson, (Baltimore Sun, 21 September 1972).
Because of his age, I thought Patterson would be finished after two rounds. But he was in superb condition. If I'd listened to the press, he would have given me a worse lickin' in the first five rounds. I didn't knock him out or TKO him. I just closed his eye.
Muhammad Ali (Baltimore Sun 21 September 1972).
The Rumble In The Jungle - When We Were Kings
Ali's Finest Hour
The "Rumble in the Jungle" was Ali's finest hour. It was the fight that secured his place in legend. The documentary "When We Were Kings" is an absolutely fantastic account of the fight, and everything that surrounded it. I've picked this clip from the documentary where Norman Mailer brilliantly recalls what happened at ringside that night intertwined with his observations and insights.
When We Were Kings
Found in Translation!
Muhammad Ali's name in Chinese is Ali Kuen Wong. This literally means "Ali The King of Boxing". The text on the right shows Ali's name translated into Chinese.
When We Were Kings
In 1974, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman came to the still-emerging and politically unstable African nation of Zaire for what Ali called the Rumble in the Jungle.
Documentarian Leon Gast flew to Zaire to film both the fight and a music festival (featuring B.B. King, James Brown, The Pointer Sisters, and Miriam Makeba) organized by promoter Don King. Gasts footage was shelved for 22 years due to legal and financial problems, but when it was finally released in 1996, When We Were Kings provided a vivid portrait of the controversial Ali.
At 33, he was considered past his prime for the Zaire fight, and his refusal to serve in the U.S. military on moral grounds was still an issue in the minds of many. But here, Ali displays strength, skill, intelligence, and tremendous charm, making it clear how he became one of the most renowned figures in the world of sports.
George Foreman is seen here as a strong, forbidding opponent, not especially articulate and seemingly unstoppable. The film also features interviews with several notable fight fans, including Norman Mailer, George Plimpton, and Spike Lee. A fascinating document of a great moment in sporting and cultural history, When We Were Kings won an Academy Award as Best Documentary Feature and won a Special Jury Recognition Prize at the Sundance Film Festival.
Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
Ali vs Foreman
Ali must be the greatest!!
The most magnificent fight in Ali's career. I can only imagine what it must have been like to see it live. As it is I get chills when I see the end. Keep watching up to the end of this clip - Ali says something to Don King that wipes the smile off his face.
Boxing Tribute - Rumble in the jungle - Foreman vs Ali
Video about the biggest boxing event ever. The legendary Muhammad Ali against George Foreman. Hope you like it. Music: Capone n' Norega - instrumental
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Ali Bomaye
Ali Bomaye Dark T-Shirt
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Ali Bomaye Light T-Shirt
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Ali Bomaye Women's V-Neck Dark T-Shirt
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Ali vs Frazier I
"Fight of the Century"
Their first fight in 1971 was held in New York's Madison Square Garden, was hailed as the "Fight of the Century". It was the first time ever two undefeated heavy weight champions went toe-to-toe, with Frazier winning a 15 round decision.
Ali was dignified in defeat.
Joe was much better than I thought. You can't take nothing from him. He took it and he had me in trouble. He had me out on my feet twice.
Muhammad Ali, (Baltimore Sun, 29 Jan 1974)
Ali vs Frazier I - Fight of the Century
Frazier's finest hour
It would be churlish not to recognise Joe Frazier's finest hour against Ali. Frazier was a great champion. Many commentators felt that Frazier was so good that night no-one could have beaten him.
Ali deserves so much respect for fighting Frazier at this point in his career. Ali was still "ring rusty" - this fight was only Ali's third after a three year lay-off. This clip shows Ali on the receiving end of what Frazier does best.
What is worth noting is that Frazier won 73% of his fights by knockout. As good as he was, Ali stood up up to him where lesser fighters would have crumbled. Even in defeat, Ali is "The greatest"
Ali created a new relationship between the boxers, the press and the spectators. He went beyond the borders of Boxing. His best fight was the one he lost to Joe Frazier. He suffered that night, but he was honest with himeslf and Boxing. When you lose you show how big you are.
Former middleweight champion, Nino Benvenuti
Ali deserves so much respect for fighting Frazier at this point in his career. Ali was still "ring rusty" - this fight was only Ali's third after a three year lay-off. This clip shows Ali on the receiving end of what Frazier does best.
What is worth noting is that Frazier won 73% of his fights by knockout. As good as he was, Ali stood up up to him where lesser fighters would have crumbled. Even in defeat, Ali is "The greatest"
Ali created a new relationship between the boxers, the press and the spectators. He went beyond the borders of Boxing. His best fight was the one he lost to Joe Frazier. He suffered that night, but he was honest with himeslf and Boxing. When you lose you show how big you are.
Former middleweight champion, Nino Benvenuti
Ali vs Frazier II - Ali the Master Tactician
Ali has Joe figured out
The second bout between the two adverseries in 1974 was the least sensational of the three meetings. At this point Frazier had lost his title to George Foreman and this fight was an eliminator to face Foreman for the title.
Ali figured out a plan to beat Frazier and executed it to near perfection. Inexplicably the referee holds up the action in round two when Ali is starting to dominate Frazier.
I think we should do it again. I'm not gonna duck Joe. I'll give him all the chances he wants
Muhammad Ali (Baltimore Sun, 29 January 1974).
curated content from YouTube
Ali taunts Frazier
Ali's barbs outside the ring hurt frazier as much as the stinging punches inside the ring. What makes it worse for Frazier is that Ali is funny. The resentment Frazier felt lasted long after both fighters hung up their gloves for good.
The Thrilla in Manilla
Ali vs. Frazier III
In 1975, the third and final battle between Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier took place. The world saw an unbelievable battle between two proud warriors that ended with a TKO in the fourteenth round as Frazier could not answer the bell because of swelling over his eyes.
Both fighters were completely battered, bruised and exhausted after the fight, in what most boxing enthusiasts view as the greatest fight ever.
I don't think two big men ever fought fights like me and Joe Frazier. One fight, maybe. But three times, we were the only ones. Of all the men I fought, (Sonny) Liston was the scariest, (George) Foreman the most Powerful, (Floyd) Patterson the most skillful. But the toughest was Frazier. He brought out the best in me, and the best fight we fought was in Manilla. That fight, I could feel something happening to me. God blessed me that day. It was like I took myself so far and God took me the rest of the way.
Muhammad Ali in retrospect. (Thomas Hauser, Muhammad Ali, His Life and Times)
Ali vs Frazier III - The "Thrilla in Manillia"
A battle between two proud warriors
Man, I hit him with punches that would have brought down the walls of a city. Lawdy, Lawdy, he's a great champion.
Joe Frazier post fight. (Sports Illustrated 13 October 1975)
That was the closest thing to death. Frazier hit me with body punches that made me want to quit
Muhammad Ali after the fight. (Associated Press 2 October 1975)
Here's my favorite link:
Ali in Ireland
Ali is so famous whole books have been written about single fights!!
On July 19, 1972, it took Muhammad Ali eleven rounds to defeat Al "Blue" Lewis at Croke Park, Dublin. A mere footnote in the larger Ali story, this fight against a game ex-convict from Detroit marked the culmination of an extraordinary week in Ireland's sporting and cultural history.
From the moment the world's most charismatic athlete touched down at Dublin Airport and announced his maternal great-grandfather Abe Grady had emigrated from County Clare more than a century before, the country was in his thrall and -- being Ali -- he loved it.
It was an extraordinary week. Ali was both charming and charmed by those who came to pay homage -- among them civil rights campaigner Bernadette Devlin, Oscar-winning director John Huston, actor Peter O'Toole and an old lady who invited him in for a cup of tea.
From the moment the world's most charismatic athlete touched down at Dublin Airport and announced his maternal great-grandfather Abe Grady had emigrated from County Clare more than a century before, the country was in his thrall and -- being Ali -- he loved it.
It was an extraordinary week. Ali was both charming and charmed by those who came to pay homage -- among them civil rights campaigner Bernadette Devlin, Oscar-winning director John Huston, actor Peter O'Toole and an old lady who invited him in for a cup of tea.
The Big Fight: Muhammad Ali v. Al "Blue" Lewis
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Amazon Price: $15.60 (as of 12/26/2009)
Muhammad Ali in Ireland
Includes Ali's unique take on his own Irish heritage!
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Muhammad Ali vs. Al Blue Lewis 1972 Croke Park, Dublin
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Muhammad Ali - the Katchian photos
Muhammad Ali was the subject of countless photographs during an amazing boxing career which saw him transcend the world of sport.But few photographers ever got as close to "The Greatest" as the renowned Sonia Katchian.
For those living in the UK, Katchian's work is featured in a new exhibition at Proud Central, 5 Buckingham Street, London, WC2N 6BP, from 14 March to 11 May.
Click here to see the pictures on the BBC web site.
Muhammad Ali : Portrait of a Champion
Muhammad Ali's Boxing Glove!
A great collector's piece for all boxing fans.
Muhammad Ali autographed boxing glove. A great collector's piece for all boxing fans.
Muhammad Ali Framed Tri Photo Collage
Muhammad Ali Framed Tri Photo Collage
Muhammad Ali Custom Framed Autographed Cut Piece with Photograph Collage
Muhammad Ali Custom Framed Autographed Cut Piece with Photograph Collage
Muhammad Ali has personally hand signed this 3x5 card with a Silver sharpie pen, and it comes Beautifully custom framed and Triple matted. The Flat black wood frame measures 27x31 inches. The double matting consists of a Black suade/velvet top matting over a black glossy bottom acid free matting, in the corners are an accent of red suade. Perfectly custom framed to go in any home, office, or sports room. There are 4 of the best Ali unsigned photos surrounding the 3x5 hand signed card. This custom made frame is ready to hang on the wall! This item comes with a numbered Online Authentics.com authenticity sticker on the autographed item, which you can verify online once you purchase it at Online Authentics.com, which is one of the top third party authenticators in the memorabilia industry, and the best authentication you can get for Ali signed items!This item also comes with a Real Deal Memorabilia Certificate of Authenticity (COA).
How did Ali become "The Greatest"?
He had to get up early in the morning!
Ali, like all true champions, put the work in for months leading up to a fight. The public see the big event on one night but for a fighter the work begins well in advance. Ali's coaching staff included Angelo Dundee, the unorthodox Drew "Bundini" Brown and Dr. Ferdie Pacheco.
curated content from YouTube
Ali in Training
You want to be the best? You've got to put the work in!!
The fight is won or lost far away from witnesses - behind the lines, in the gym and out there on the road, long before I dance under those lights.
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali in Australia
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Who's that with Ali?
Legends meeting Legends
I don't admire nobody but Elvis Presley. He was the sweetest most humble and nicest man you'd ever meet.
Muhammad Ali
Ali met The Beatles prior to his first fight with Sonny Liston, and posed for photos with them in a boxing ring. He declared afterward that they were the greatest, but he was "still the prettiest".
Muhammad Ali on eBay!
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Muhammad Ali on Amazon!
The Treasures of Muhammad Ali
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Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times
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![Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story (6pc) [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51M2G49C26L._SL75_.jpg)
Muhammad Ali: The Whole Story (6pc) [VHS]
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MUHAMMAD ALI SIGNED HAND PRINT COLLECTIBLE PLAQUE-THE BOXING SERIES
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Muhammad Ali - "The Greatest"
Rumble in the Jungle Dark T-Shirt
A T Shirt Remembering Ali's finest hour - the Rumble in the Jungle
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Rumble in the Jungle Women's Dark T-Shirt
A ladies T Shirt Remembering Ali's finest hour - the Rumble in the Jungle
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Muhammad Ali vs Rocky Marciano
Champion vs Champion
In the late 1960s, Miami boxing promoter Murry Woroner had a successful radio series of fantasy fights between champs of years past. He fed statistics into a state-of-the-art computer, which would choose a "winner". Based on the popularity of these fights, he convinced Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali to film 70 one-minute rounds, which were then assembled according to a computer script and produced a scheduled 15 round fight.
Unfortunately the late, great Rocky Marciano didn't live to see the outcome - he died in a plane crash prior to the release of the computer superfight.
It's been like that forever. We got spoiled by Joe Louis, by Rocky Marciano. Muhammad ruined us for everybody. He was great outside [the ring]; he was great inside. We got so accustomed to it we thought we deserved it.
Angelo Dundee
Unfortunately the late, great Rocky Marciano didn't live to see the outcome - he died in a plane crash prior to the release of the computer superfight.
It's been like that forever. We got spoiled by Joe Louis, by Rocky Marciano. Muhammad ruined us for everybody. He was great outside [the ring]; he was great inside. We got so accustomed to it we thought we deserved it.
Angelo Dundee
Ali in Action
Ali employing his (in)famous "Rope a Dope" ploy against George Foreman
It runs in the family
Muhammad Ali's daughter, Laila, became a Boxer. Ali senior doesn't belive women should Box but he loves his daughter, supports her and showed up at her fights.
Ali in Pictures
Muhammad Ali News
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The most recognisable man on the planet!
It's been over 25 years since Ali's last fight, but he's still hot! Adidas took footage from "When We Were Kings" to make this advertisement. Who else in this clip could still be as popular 25 years after their career has ended?
muhammed ali impossible is nothing adidas "the long run"
muhammed ali in adidas commercial, "impossible is nothing". other people appearing (Digitally composited) in the commercial are, zinedine zidane, david beckham, haile gebrselassie, ian thorpe, tracy mcgrady, maurice greene and laila ali.
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- Tom_Kane Tom_Kane Jul 26, 2009 @ 12:46 am | in reply to shiraz khan
- Brilliant!
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Reply
- shiraz khan shiraz khan Jul 22, 2009 @ 5:40 pm
- Yes I wrote it myself.
Muhammed Ali, Cashius Clay.
Still the greatest fighter, in the world today.
Never you mind, about Mike Tyson.
With a face like that, he looks more like a bison.
Not Ali, He'd glide across the ring.
Like an ice skating rink.
And oh the words he would speak.
The punches he'd throw, they made the ring creak.
The man was so good, no more of his skill, could he hone.
He was given a permanent spot, on the boxing throne.
"I Am the Greatest!" he'd brag and he'd bellow.
He'd have opponents running, leaving trails of yellow.
He was quick with his wit.
His tounge, like a whip.
Sometimes what he would say.
Hurt worse then fight day.
He'd have them in such a fright.
They'd run town on fight night.
But to see Ali fight, what a sight.
He'd dance and he'd glide, he'd mess with their minds.
He'd twist them around.
Throw a few quick punches, to finish the round.
Then he'd come out swinging.
He wouldn't stop, til he heard the bell ringing.
He beat all the greats, if you could call them that.
He beat Liston and Frazier and Foreman.
He trounced Wepner and Spinks and Norton.
The thrilla in manilla, rumble in the jungle, fight of the century!
How could you compete?
With a man who couldn't be beat?
His record is astounding, 56-5-0!
Never knocked out you know...
He took it to the wall, in 61 brawls.
Knocked out his opponents, 37 times in all.
He beat the russian, he beat the pole.
To bring to america, the olympic gold.
Floats like a butterfly, stings like a bee.
His hands can't hit what his eyes cant see.
He is the greatest, a champion times three!
The great Cassius Marcellus Clay, Muhammad Ali.
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- Zion Zion Jan 3, 2009 @ 10:49 am
- Wow! Your lens is fantastic! I really like it so I gave you 5*. Keep up the god work!..
Please try to stop by my lens. I would really much appreciate if you could rate mine too!
Thank you so much!
Zion
http://www.squidoo.com/best-way-to-lose-body-fat
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- AvinashKunnath AvinashKunnath Dec 1, 2008 @ 1:57 pm
- Good stuff. You should try finding some Ali-Cosell clips. Those two were classic together.
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Reply
- alteredkat alteredkat Dec 1, 2008 @ 8:58 am
- Tons of info here! Great job!
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by Tom_Kane
Hello, I hope you find my information useful. Best of luck. Check out my Blog http://blog.tomjkane.net
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